Prescription Drug Drop Off Day a success across Ontario

OPP Detachments Working to Keep Communities Safe

ORILLIA, ON, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Prescription Drug Drop Off Day has been called a huge success by organizers across the country.  This past Saturday, May 11, police and medical officials worked together to help residents in communities dispose of unused and unwanted medications.

At 53 OPP locations across Ontario, the provincial police received 308 kilograms of prescription medications from just over 700 citizens. Most of the drugs collected included opiates, amphetamines and barbiturates which all very highly dangerous drugs.

This initiative, sponsored by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, will help police keep these drugs out of the hands of those who should not have them.  The misuse and abuse of prescription medications has become a public safety issue for communities and police services across the country.

The abuse of prescription medications can lead to incidents of overdose and in some cases, death. Residents are urged to drop off any unused or expired prescription medications at their local pharmacies at any time where they can be disposed of in a safe and environmentally safe manner.  To keep prescription medications from our water sources, medications should never be flushed down toilets or washed down drains.

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Contact:  
Det. S/Sgt. Don Eastop
Drug Enforcement Unit
Phone: [phone]